Scaffolding Trainer Certification

Description

What’s in the Scaffolding TTT Course?

Our Scaffolding safety training course is regulation aligned. Each class contains sections on the anatomy, proper inspection techniques, stability, safe operations, common hazards, and more. This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam as required.

Estimated Training Length: Because everyone learns and progresses at different speeds, the amount of time you spend taking this training will vary. However, the estimated time for this training is 60 – 90 min.

Intended Audience:

• Employees
• Supervisors

OSHA Requirements: This course meets the following OSHA Requirements:

• 1926.450 – Scope and definitions of scaffolding
• 1926.451 – General Requirements
• 1926.452 – Additional Requirements

The Best Train the Trainer Program—Scaffolding Course

What is train the trainer? Simply put, a trainer takes the online course to become more familiar with the topic and learn how to teach the required topics. This offers a thorough, cost-effective way for trainers and employers to increase their knowledge and more effectively train and/or certify their crew. Our Train the Trainer courses are designed for companies with employees who have experience with the subject matter, but simply need or want a third-party trainer certificate.

Once you have completed the Trainer Certificate course and passed the exam, you will have immediate electronic access to our DIY training kit, which gives you everything you need to conduct training classes on as often as needed. These materials are reusable and customizable. We have fine-tuned our kits to provide you with the best training experience possible. They include accident profiles, videos, and other tools to help learners retain information and apply it on the job site, preventing tragic accidents or costly fines.

Train the Trainer Course Contents: Of course, every training kit is a little different. But, generally speaking, they consist of (but are not limited to) the following materials:

• Pertinent standards and regulations
• The customizable PowerPoint presentation
• A quick-reference guide for learners
• Written exams with answer keys
• Practical evaluation checklist
• Pre-shift inspection booklets
• Classroom forms for proper recordkeeping
• Full-sized certificates and wallet card templates for learners

Do take note that, while the online “trainer” portion of this course never expires, standards dictate that safety certification be completed at least once every three years (unless otherwise stated). These courses will combine with your onsite practical training to fulfill regulation's requirements for up to three years.

Remember, safety training is an investment. We’ve been providing industry-specific safety training solutions for individuals, safety managers, and business owners for over 15 years. That is why hundreds of companies and individuals all over the world trust the Hard Hat Training Series for their online training needs.

Online Scaffolding Train the Trainer Certification Details

Becoming a trainer is ultimately an employer designation. For those who are becoming trainers on their own, you simply have to be able to justify why you are competent enough to be a trainer. Regulating organizations typically want you to have experience and training. While we travel the country certifying trainers, the online training course is an easy and cost-effective way to help employers make the designation by offering the required training.

We send our trainers all over the country training both operators and trainers. And even though OSHA does not require a scaffolding train the trainer certification (they are more interested in what topics are being trained on), many companies and individuals feel more comfortable going through the trainer program from a well-established, industry-recognized training company like us. But it doesn’t always make sense financially for companies.  That is why we’ve created the option to get certified online. If you are comfortable training and comfortable with the equipment, you can simply purchase the online trainer course, get your certificate and training kit, and start training. It is a very cost-effective way to go.

Why buy our Scaffolding Train the Trainer Certification Course?

Safety training is an investment. That is why hundreds of companies and individuals all over the world trust the Hard Hat Training Series for their online training needs. Our unique online training program has been fine tuned to provide you with the best training experience possible.

What’s in the Scaffolding Train the Trainer Course?

The online course consists of several modules, but two main sections:

• How to Train
  • OSHA requirements
  • Trainer Responsibilities
  • Record Keeping
  • Classroom set-up
  • Using and Customizing Training Materials
• Scaffolding Training Kit Outline
  • Introduction
  • General
  • Anatomy
  • Stability
  • Safe Operations
  • Hazards
  • Conclusion
  • Final Exam

In a nutshell, the trainer will take the online training course to become more familiar with the equipment and learn how to teach the required topics. Once completed, they will gain access their certificate of completion, as well as the scaffolding training kit, which is a download file that contains all training material necessary to train your workers, including an in-depth power point presentation. See more details on the scaffolding training kit here.

What is Scaffolding?

A scaffold — also known as a scaffold or staging — is any temporary elevated work platform and its supporting structure (including points of anchorage), used for supporting employees, materials, or both. It also acts as a secure working environment because it provides construction workers with a stable platform when working on jobs that are off the ground. Scaffolds are used for many purposes, including construction, cleaning, repair of buildings, and gaining access to heights. They can even be used on concert stages and for art projects.

Why Do I Need Training?

Every year, scaffold-related incidents cause 4,500 injuries and over 60 deaths. Scaffolds are used by 65% of construction workers. Because of this, there must be a strong emphasis on safety when scaffolding is being used. OSHA alignment, as well as a cautious mindset when working on scaffolds, can help to prevent many serious injuries and deaths.

What Are the Basic Scaffolding Materials?

Scaffolding materials vary based on whether it is composed of steel or aluminum. Steel scaffolding is employed because it is strong and long-lasting. Steel’s strength allows it to support heavier weights. This is useful for transporting products, tools, and personnel. Aluminum scaffolding can be used in less demanding settings. These conditions could include working on a modest home where the labor is less strenuous or doing interior design work.

Scaffolding Components

Scaffolding is built with three fundamental components: standards, ledgers, and transforms.

The vertical rods that run all throughout the structure to keep it upright are known as standards. The ledgers are the rods that link the standards together and strengthen their stability. Transforms are the horizontal rods that connect the standards and ledgers, forming an “X” shape. These three pieces work together to distribute weight to the ground, ensuring that the structure stays stable and safe.

Tubes, couplers, and scaffold boards are the elements needed to construct scaffolds. To make a substantial frame, the tubes are made of either steel or aluminum. The couplers are small corner pieces that connect the ends of the tubes. The floors are the scaffolding boards that employees stand on. These are available in wood, steel, or aluminum.

Different Types Of Scaffolding

Scaffolding is commonly seen on construction sites. While most appear to be the same, there are significant distinctions between each. It is critical that you are able to understand these distinctions.

Scaffolding is divided into two categories: supported and suspended. Underneath both categories, there are even more types of scaffolding. Throughout the following sections, we will dive into detail about each one.

Supported Scaffolding

A supported scaffold is one that is constructed from the ground up. They are mostly utilized to construct homes and other structures, such as bridges, dams, and other projects. There are both mobile and fixed types. Supported scaffolds are safe, dependable, and simple to install.

Tubes & Coupler Scaffold

Supported scaffolding includes tube and coupler scaffolds. This scaffolding is made of tubing that is connected to coupling devices. Because they are strong, they are generally used when heavy loads or tools will be carried.

They are also employed in situations where many platforms must reach multiple stories in height. Tube and coupler scaffolds can be built in a variety of directions, although this can make them challenging to assemble.

Fabricated Frame Scaffold

Fabricated frame scaffolds are adaptable, cost-effective, and simple to use. They are most usually applied in one or two tiers by home constructors and painters. When their modular frames are stacked several stories high, they can be used on large-scale construction sites.

System Scaffold

System scaffolds are made up of vertical and horizontal pre-engineered components. The components are generally connected in a systematic manner. They are also known as modular scaffolding, which is an umbrella term for several forms of scaffolding. System scaffolds are becoming more popular and are being used all around the world.

Mobile Scaffold

Mobile scaffolds are supported by wheels or casters, allowing them to be readily moved around the jobsite. They are typically used for operations requiring frequent position changes. This could include jobs such as painting and plastering.

Suspended Scaffolding

Suspended scaffolding is constructed from the top down rather than the bottom up. It can be hung by cables or assembled downward from an overhead structure’s base. They are generally used to clean hotel windows, create high-rise buildings, and in offshore drilling rigs. They are one of the most commonly used scaffold types because they are useful when working from the top of a structure.

Tube & Coupler Scaffold

Suspended tubes and coupler scaffolds are also an option. If they are unable to be built from the ground, they can be erected downward by joining an overhead structure.

Single-Point Scaffold

A single-point scaffold is a platform suspended from above the support by one rope. It is outfitted with mechanisms that allow the platform to be moved to appropriate work levels. This type of scaffold is regularly used by workers while cleaning the outside of a skyscraper or performing maintenance on the side of a structure.

Boatswain’s Chair

The most frequent type of one-point scaffold is a boatswain’s chair. They consist of a simple seat and are used to hang a person in a sitting position from a rope in order to accomplish work at a higher level. They usually consist of a simple short plank or swath of strong canvas with safety measures like safety clamps and extra lines.

Two-Point Scaffold

The most popular style of suspended scaffold is a two-point adjustable scaffold. Ropes or cables attached to stirrups at each end of the platform suspend them. They are frequently utilized by skyscraper window washers and high-rise construction workers.

Scaffolding Benefits

Scaffolding has numerous advantages in the work industry. Each of them makes the job easier and safer to finish.

The first benefit is easy access. Workers have a safe platform to move around on because the scaffolding structure is attached to the high-rise building. The technique of bridging is used to create this easy access. Bridging is the creation of pedestrian areas that connect the various work sites, reducing the need to travel long distances in the construction zone in the long run.

Another advantage is a perfect balance. Because scaffolding is a solid, not tenuous surface, people feel safe working at heights. This is because they have a firm base immediately beneath their feet.

Another advantage is that the building only requires a few components; metal and wood. Setting this up takes little to no time, and dismantling is similar.

Scaffolding is quite durable, therefore it can be used for numerous projects rather than just one. Because the scaffolding is simple to assemble, businesses save time and money by relocating it to different sites.

Scaffolding Disadvantages

Scaffolding has certain disadvantages as well. Because it is an open-access structure, employees must safeguard the tools and materials they bring with them. Wind can blow through due to the open access. This increases the possibility of tools or materials sliding off the platform.

Another issue is the scaffold’s quality. Sometimes the quality isn’t the best, which isn’t always observed before putting it up. If this is the case, a professional should be consulted because working on a broken or unsecured platform is dangerous. To eliminate safety concerns, a replacement must be requested.

The final downside is not being thoroughly educated on scaffold assembly or how to operate safely on one. If the employees do not know how to correctly construct the scaffold, the danger of accidents increases. Climbing a scaffold also has special equipment requirements and safety measures. To reduce this, all personnel should be appropriately trained for both assembly and structure work. Scaffolding should never be installed by someone who is unfamiliar with the process.

OSHA Regulations For Scaffolding

The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) does not have safety standards that are specific to the different types of scaffolding. However, they do have safety standards for scaffolding in general. It is important for everyone, both employees and employers, to follow all safety regulations. By doing this, employee safety is placed in the highest priority, making a positive impact on the safety culture in the workplace.

Using & Moving Scaffolding

Never move the scaffold while someone is on it unless it is specially constructed to allow for such movement. Mobile scaffolding may also be used for this purpose if it meets the necessary safety standards.

You must be supervised by a competent person whenever you install, move, disassemble, or adjust your scaffolds. Only individuals who have been trained and have experience should undertake this work, even if it is under the supervision of a competent person.

Inspections

Scaffolds and scaffold components must be inspected before and after each work shift. An inspection should also be performed if the scaffold’s structural integrity is compromised.

A competent person should look for visible defects in each part of the scaffold. They must also prevent anyone from using the scaffold if any problems are discovered.

Immediately repair or replace any section of the scaffold that is broken or weakened. If you find flaws during an inspection, take the scaffold out of service until someone can fix the issue.

Always Follow Scaffold Limits

Scaffolding can have three maximum load ratings: light, medium, and heavy duty. Keep in mind the maximum permissible weight for the scaffolding you’re using. Never overload scaffolds or scaffold components, since this may cause damage to your scaffolding or injury to you.

Personal Protective Equipment: Fall Protection

Every employee working on a scaffold more than ten feet above a lower level must be protected from falling by using fall prevention devices. The sort of fall protection employed will vary depending on the type of scaffolding. If you are unsure, get clarification from a supervisor or your employer.

Common Scaffolding Hazards

In this section, we will go through some of the most common scaffolding hazards. We will also discuss how to avoid them while keeping your workplace safe. We will address:

• Construction flaws
• Electrocution
• Climbing-related hazards
• Falls from platforms
• Falling objects
• Building failure
• Assembly-related risks

Construction Deficiencies

Defects in scaffolding construction are the leading cause of scaffolding-related fatalities. For example, when scaffolding is not set up properly and the issue is not discovered during a pre-shift inspection, this would present a significant hazard that would compromise employee safety.

Always construct scaffolding up to code and inspect for weak or loose components before use. Simply checking the tag is not always sufficient. Do not use a scaffold if it is not safe.

Electrocution

Electrocution is a lethal hazard that accounts for 18% of all scaffolding-related fatalities. A hazard exists whenever a power source is near employees or equipment.

Always lock and tag out the power source, even if you are working alone. Someone may flip a switch while unaware that work is being done, resulting in an accident. When operating with or near a power source, you must use extreme caution. It is your obligation to be aware of your company’s lockout/tagout policies.

Climbing Scaffolding

Climbing up to a scaffold poses risks since the platform’s structure may be more carefully constructed than the ladder. Furthermore, employees may postpone clipping into fall protection until they reach the platform.

Fall protection is necessary for all fixed ladders with a top height of more than 24 feet above the lower level. The distance between the user’s harness and the anchorage point must be 9 inches or less. The lifeline must be sufficient to survive a 500-pound drop from 18 inches. It is critical to be well prepared for any falls that may occur.

Falls From Platforms

Falls from the platform account for 10% of all scaffolding accidents, despite being the easiest to avoid. Platforms should not be higher than 20 feet, according to OSHA. Even one foot over this height restriction might have disastrous and catastrophic consequences.

Falling Objects

Falling item accidents account for 10% of all scaffolding-related fatalities. Even little objects dropped from great heights might result in serious injuries or death. It is critical to always assemble the scaffolding with all guardrails and toe boards for the safety of employees working below. Remember to always wear the appropriate PPE.

Structure Failure

Another 10% of all scaffolding-related fatalities are caused by collapse or structural failure. Accidents can be avoided by following the manufacturer’s instructions and OSHA Requirements during assembly. Daily and weekly inspections will also aid in the detection of any potential threats. Equipment in good condition that has been inspected and load tested and is used safely should not fail.

Assembly

Scaffolding assembly accounts for 8% of all scaffolding-related deaths. Even when assembling and dismantling, all safety precautions must be taken. Before the next level of scaffolding can be built, each level must have ample guardrails and full platforms with no major gaps.

Ladders must also be erected and secured once each level is completed. This decreases the temptation to climb the scaffolding structure rather than a ladder, which is both unsafe and illegal. Taking care to safely assemble each level of scaffolding, as well as work on scaffolding safely, will prevent injuries and fatal falls.

Scaffolding Stability

Stability is a key idea to grasp when it comes to scaffolding. Unstable scaffolding endangers everyone who uses it and could lead to serious repercussions if not addressed. It is critical that you recognize unsafe scaffolding circumstances and know what actions to take when they occur.

Several variables influence stability. They include the ground’s ability to sustain the scaffold, the soundness and strength of the materials used, the scaffold’s appropriate installation, and whether it is used within its designed capacity.

Both supported and suspended scaffolding rely on different ways to provide stability, which we will go through in this section. It is your obligation to be aware of these methods and to inspect the scaffolding for integrity before attempting to utilize it.

Our Scaffolding Training

Scaffolding, like any other piece of equipment, can cause significant damage or death if overused or mistreated. Poor usage, failure to do preventative maintenance, and failing to perform necessary inspections can all result in catastrophic consequences.

Accidents can happen at any time and on any jobsite. There are numerous scenarios and situations that might lead to workplace injury or even death. Before commencing any work, it is critical that you assess the possible hazards that each job, place, or machine poses.

This is why training is important. Luckily for you, we offer a Scaffolding Training & Certification Course here at Hard Hat Training. This training course covers all the different types of scaffolding. Meaning once an employee has completed the course, they will be trained and certified to use all the different types and styles of scaffolding.

We offer this course in different training formats. We offer it online, in a kit, and in a train the trainer format, which is what we will be focusing on.

Train the Trainer

Our train the trainer (TTT) learning format includes all the resources necessary for conducting training. One of the most important resources we provide for you with the course is our training kit. The designated instructor will be able to use this kit to teach the safety information directly to their own employees.

How Much Does This Safety Training Cost?

Specifically, our Scaffolding Trainer Certification Course costs anywhere from $700 to $725 depending on how you choose to purchase it.

How Many Hours Will I Spend On This?

Our scaffolding safety training course is estimated to take up to an hour and a half. However, this is just an estimated guess and it will depend on the employees who are taking the course. Some individuals need more time to read through the material while others may get through it quicker.

Receiving Your Certificate

Once the employees have successfully completed the course and passed the final exam, the course instructor will be able to add the employee’s names to the certificate template that comes with the kit. Once you have them all downloaded, you can print them off and hand them out to the appropriate employees.

How Long Is the Certification Valid?

A scaffolding certification is valid for four years after the issue date. Once the four years are up, employees will need to take a refresher course. Some companies will require employees to retake the entire scaffolding course in order to renew their certificate.

For more information check out our related articles Who Can Inspect A Scaffold and When Is Fall Protection Needed On Scaffolding.